Hanoi, Phuc An: 180km

After the preparation of the machine, it is the beginning of our motorbike trip to Vietnam! The exit from the capital Hanoi and its surroundings allows us to familiarize ourselves with our new mount. Then we take a less busy road, crossing cities, countryside and rice fields.

Bifurcation towards Lake Thac Ba passing through small villages and hills covered with tea trees to reach the village Phuc An. Visit of the lake by motor boat and swimming. This lake is one of the largest artificial lakes in Northern Vietnam, built in 1970 to supply the hydroelectric dam.

After a convivial dinner with rice alcohol tasting, we spend the night in a traditional house on stilts of the Dao ethnic group with white trousers.

Phuc An, Bac Ha: 190km

We walk along the lake to see some ethnic villages with their houses on stilts on the banks. Passing through the eucalyptus and acacia hills and small villages to reach Yen The (known for its precious stones and marble quarries). Visit of the woodworking and marble carving workshops.

In the middle of the terraced rice fields and latan trees, arrived at the home of a Tay family in Bac Ha.

Bac Ha

Start of our trek (5 to 7 hours of walking) by crossing the village. Our route runs between the terraced rice fields and the small woods. Meeting of the ethnic groups who work in the fields. Stop by a small river for picnics and swimming (depending on the season).

A walk through Na Kheo, Ban Pho and Na Lo - mountain villages of the ethnic groups (Hmong Fleurs, Nung and Tay of Lan Gi Thang, Pu Ngai Cho, Thai Giang Pho, Lau Thi Ngai) allows you to reconnect with the daily life of the area.

Second night at the home of the Tay ethnic group of Bac Ha.

Bac Ha, Pan Hou: 120km

We continue our motorbike trip to Vietnam to the most remote region in the north of the country. We cross the border regions with China such as the village of Lung Phin, Nan Ma along the Chay River.

Arrival in Hoang Su Phi, a very rural district dominated by the green color of its rice terraces. Night at the lodge located in the middle of the rice fields that we discover on foot the rest of the day.

Pan Hou, Nam Dam: 140km

By small roads with little traffic and full of bends, continue towards Ha Giang where cities with their traffic and agricultural crops are more numerous.

After Ha Giang, through the mountains and valleys, we cross the "gate of heaven" to spend the night with the Dao ethnic group with long tunics in the village Nam Dam.

Nam Dam, Dong Van, Meo Vac: 120km

Immersion in the heart of the local life of the Blue Hmong of Lung Tam village to discover their craft activity of hemp weaving by women.

Continuation on a winding road leading to the Dong Van geological plateau (classified by UNESCO in 2010) to visit the former castle of the King of the Hmong.

Stop in Dong Van city with its market and old stone and tile houses. As we cross the Ma Li Peng Pass, we contemplate the mountains with their sharp contours and steep slopes covered with stone fields. Arrival at Meo Vac to spend the night at the hotel.

Meo Vac, Ba Be: 235km

In the town of Bao Lac, a short detour to the village of the Black Lolo of Coc Xa. Through the village on foot, observation of the daily life of this small community still living on the fringes of the surrounding civilization.

Back on the road to Ba Be (natural park with a lake surrounded by karst mountains covered with lush vegetation). Arrival at the Pac Ngoi village of the Tay ethnic group to stay overnight in their house on stilts.

Ba Be

Discovery of Ba Be Lake and its surroundings. Ba Be is the largest natural lake in North Vietnam, surrounded by limestone cliffs and jungle. Visit of the Puong cave crossing the mountain from one end to the other and sheltering an important colony of bats.

We see the Tay village of Ban Cam located on the banks of the Nang River with thousands of butterflies frolicking on the banks. Overnight at Tay's home in their house on stilts.

Ba Be, Hanoi: 235km

We continue our motorbike trip to Vietnam with a detour to the Hua Ma cave to visit it. Return to Hanoi via Bang Phuc, Bang Lung, Cho Chu, National Road 3 and Thai Nguyen. In Hanoi, we return our bikes with a little free time before sleeping in the hotel.

Hanoi, Ninh Binh (by car): 100km

The day begins with a visit to the temples of the Dinh and Le kings in the former capital of Vietnam Hoa Lu (between 968-1009). A small boat trip through the Van Long nature reserve with its rice fields, karst peaks and caves. The wild landscapes are home to many protected species (e.g. the Delacour Langur, a species of primate endemic to Vietnam).

Bike ride through the typical villages of the surrounding region and overnight at the hotel.

Ninh Binh, Lan Ha Bay (by car): 170km

We join Hai Phong to take the ferry to Cat Ba Island and board the junk at Ben Beo Harbour. Your junk crosses the first floating fishing village, then sneaks into Lan Ha Bay.

Stroll (by boat or kayak) to the Ca tunnel. Back on board this junk, we drop anchor in the bay to spend the night.

Lan Ha Bay, Hanoi (by car): 150 km

We are witnessing the sunrise over the bay. Swimming at Ba Trai Dao beaches before landing at Ben Beo port. Back to Hanoi, transfer to the international airport for your return flight.